Highlandtown woman arrested, man sought in counterfeit case

July 20, 1991|By Brian Sullam

Federal prosecutors said yesterday that they have issued an arrest warrant for a New York man wanted in connection with the counterfeiting ring that was broken up Wednesday night when the Secret Service arrested three men and seized counterfeiting equipment from an East Lombard Street warehouse.

In addition, the authorities announced a fourth arrest in the case -- a 62-year-old Highlandtown woman who was charged with conspiracy to counterfeit U.S. currency.

Estell W. Wienecke of the 200 block of South Highland Avenue was released on $50,000 bond after an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Paul M. Rosenberg.

Ms. Weinecke's alleged role in the plot, according to government affidavits, was to purchase green ink that was to be used by the counterfeit ring.

On Wednesday, Secret Service agents arrested two Egyptians and a Baltimore man and charged them with conspiracy to counterfeit U.S. currency from a warehouse located in the 1100 block of East Lombard Street.

They were Mohamed Sedky Mohamed, 30, of the 700 block of Ponca Street, who was released on bond yesterday after his wife put up her house as collateral; Mustafa Mohamed Salama, 34, of the 6900 block of German Hill Road, who was ordered held without bail; and Richard M. Gore, 59, of the 1200 block of Carroll Street.

Mr. Gore is in an alcohol detoxification facility, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said that they have also issued an arrest warrant for a New York City man, Mohamed Aly Mohamed, a cousin of Mohamed Sedky Mohamed. They are charging him with conspiracy in the alleged plot.

During the bail review hearing on Mr. Salama, assistant U.S. Attorney Maury Epner told Magistrate Deborah K. Chasanow that the government has "received information that Mr. Salama is engaged in narcotics trafficking."

He said, however, that the information came in an anonymous telephone call and that he had no further details.

Ms. Chasanow refused to release Mr. Salama on bail.

He said there was a risk that he would try to leave the country before the trial.